Eating For Health

Have you heard of the old wives’ tale, “an apple a day will keep the doctor away”?   Fall is apple season and a great time to visit an apple orchard for some fresh apples.   Growing up I often heard that apples did not provide much nutrition. But now researchers know that apples provide some good nutrition including adding some antioxidants and fiber to one’s diet.      Does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Apples do have many nutritional benefits.   Apples are low in calories, have no fat, and do provide fiber which many American diets are low in.   Unlike many American snack foods, apples have no sodium but do provide potassium which helps prevent high blood pressure.   The American Heart Association notes, “Foods that are rich in potassium are important in managing high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) because potassium lessens the effects of sodium.”   Apples are a great grab and go snack and may help satisfy one’s sweet t...

It is easy to shop at the grocery store and pick up some ready-made meals.   But how do you know if what you are buying is healthy or not so healthy?   What are you supposed to look for?   My daughter sent me an article, How to choose the best ready-made foods at the store, according to a dietitian from Ohio State University.   Other sites also provide some advice on what to watch for when choosing prepared meals.   It is easy to pick up a ready-made meal at the grocery store but you may also be picking up a meal loaded with salt, sugar, or fat.   What to look for when choosing a ready-made meal or sides. Calories – look at the calories per serving.   My husband bought some prepared cheesy broccoli recently.   We were surprised that the calories per serving were not that high.   Meals – if it is a complete meal, look for total calories of 350-500 calories.   Too low in calories, say less than 200 calories, and you will be hungr...